Do you know how Taste of Alamance helps our Community Fund?

Spring is in the air, which in the nonprofit field also means grant season.

At United Way of Alamance County spring is nothing short of busy, and there certainly is a distinct buzz in the air! As grant proposals come in by the dozen teams of volunteers work hard to evaluate them while applicants anxiously await the decision.

Last year we received more than $1.4 million in requests and had $675,000 available in our Community Fund to grant out.

At the end of the day it all comes down to resources. Yes, resources, a stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively.

Are there enough resources to meet the need?

How can resources best be used to solve root cause issues?

Most people don’t have a clear understanding of what United Way does; they think of us as a fundraising organization, but aren’t clear how the money is allocated. That’s because United Way isn’t funded primarily by a few wealthy donors, but rather by a small army of engaged citizens who recognize the need and have reached a simple conclusion: “we can do better, and I want to be part of the solution.”

Together we’ve worked in every corner of the county on issues ranging from education to mental health and homelessness to transportation. As conveners we align organizations, donors, and volunteers to leverage resources in order to get the best results. Our community’s issues are largely connected to root cause issues. We believe collaborative alignment is essential for moving the needle on these fundamental issues.

Last year that $675 thousand helped to fund 28 agencies with 34 programs right here in Alamance County.

This year we hope that our Community Fund will have plenty of resources to meet the need. And you can help, our last big fundraiser is scheduled for April 24th – Taste of Alamance! All proceeds from this event support our Community Fund. Taste of Alamance provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the culinary offering of our county, be part of the solution, while your dollars have maximum impact.

This year former NFL player Jason Brown (now farmer) will lead an inspiring luncheon, followed by an evening of extraordinary tastings fit for foodies. You can learn more about the day’s events and purchase tickets by visiting http://www.tasteofalamance.com/

United Way of Alamance County strives to be at the center of social change – discovering and demonstrating the collective power we have when we LIVE UNITED. We are more than fundraisers and grant makers. We are the hand-raisers, the dream chasers, and the game changers because we know that at the core of every human being is the desire to do good. Ultimately, we are stronger together than we are alone, so please join us in our work to advance health and educational outcomes and improve financial stability right here in Alamance County.